Accident

Yesterday was just an ordinary day—until everything changed in an instant.

I was going about my usual routine when my phone rang unexpectedly. It was a call from home. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But as soon as I saw my mom’s number flashing on the screen, I felt a strange sense of unease. She doesn’t usually call at this time of day. When I answered, her voice was shaky, barely able to contain herself. “It’s your brother,” she said, and my heart instantly stopped. The words came out in somehow there had been an accident, he was on his way to the hospital, they didn’t have all the details yet. My mind went blank. It felt like time had stopped while the world around me kept moving. I needed to sit down. I asked if he was conscious, if he was in pain, what exactly had happened. She didn’t know much at the time. only that he had been in a bike accident, that a car had hit him at an intersection near our neighborhood, and that paramedics had arrived quickly. He was being taken to the emergency room for tests. That was all we knew.

My first instinct was to book the next ticket home, but I didn’t even know what I would find. I felt helpless being so far away, unable to do anything but wait. I tried calling the hospital, but they couldn’t give me any information without authorization. I kept checking my phone, waiting for updates, praying the news wouldn’t get worse.

Hours passed like days. Every worst-case scenario played out in my head, and all I could think about was the last time I’d spoken to him. I kept hearing his laughter, remembering little arguments we’d had, and suddenly regretting every moment I’d taken for granted.

Finally, another call came in. My mom said he was awake. He had a concussion, some broken ribs, and bruises, but miraculously, no life-threatening injuries. Relief washed over me like a wave. I thanked every force I could think of. He was going to be okay. Shaken, hurt, but alive.

I spoke to him briefly once he was stable. His voice was weak, but he tried to sound like himself. “Don’t freak out,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. Typical of him. I couldn’t hold back the tears, and for the first time in a long time, I told him how much he meant to me.

That phone call changed everything for me. It reminded me of how vital life is, how things can go from normal to scary so quickly. It made me realize how much I care about my family, and how easily I forget to show it. Yesterday wasn’t just a scare it was a wake-up call. One I’ll never forget.